Legendary composer and lyricist Andrew Lloyd Webber has just announced that he has been in contact with King Charles III in an effort to bring his musical genius to the upcoming Coronation. King Charles III’s Coronation is being held at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, and will be celebrated with a number of musical performances, including Lloyd Webber’s newly announced piece.
Lloyd Webber – who is best known for penning such musicals as Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and more – revealed the title of the composition on his official Twitter account: Make a Joyful Noise, A Coronation Anthem by Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
He also explained how the golden opportunity arose for him: “I had the good fortune to discuss the text with His Majesty The King. We discussed the writings of Solomon and I suggested adapting Psalm 98 with its message of ‘Make A Joyful Noise unto the Lord, the King.’”
The Pslam in question reads: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Lloyd Webber went on to call his piece of music “appropriate” for the Coronation service.
“I played my early score for The King a few weeks ago,” Lloyd Webber said. “I have composed a short opening and closing fanfare, which will be played by the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Air Force.”
He added that the anthem has been scored for “the wonderful Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Coronation Orchestra”.
The day after the coronation, Sunday, May 7, 2023, a large concert will be held in celebration of the King’s Coronation.
The concert will be held at Windsor Castle’s East Lawn, accompanied by a 74-piece orchestra.
A number of massive musical artists will be performing throughout the day. Reports have suggested the likes of Bette Midler, Sir Elton John, former One Direction star Harry Styles and Adele will be playing throughout the day.
Legendary pop band Take That is also rumoured to be making a monumental appearance at the concert event.
The concert will be in attendance of approximately 10,000 people, as well as King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort.